Why My PC can't be upgraded to Windows 11 25H2

To upgrade Windows 11 to 25H2. Use the Windows 11 Update Assistant or manually upgrade via ISO for a direct approach. Also, verify hardware settings and compatibility. If issues persist, check for driver or firmware updates from your motherboard or system manufacturer. 

If your PC can't be upgraded Windows 11 to 25H2. Please upgrade or replacing your computer’s hardware, especially the CPU, to ensure compatibility with Windows 11 25H2 is a process that involves careful planning and steps. Here's a clear overview of what to do:

1. Check Your Current Hardware Compatibility
Key Windows 11 Requirements:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2+ cores, compatible 64-bit CPU
• TPM 2.0: Trusted Platform Module version 2.0 enabled in BIOS
• Secure Boot: Enabled in BIOS/UEFI
• RAM, Storage, GPU: Meet minimum specs (your current setup is sufficient)

Your current CPU: Ryzen 5 1600  

• Note: Ryzen 5 1600 is not officially supported for Windows 11, but it may pass compatibility checks if
• TPM and Secure Boot are enabled.
• Upgrading to a newer CPU can improve compatibility and performance.

2. Decide Whether to Upgrade or Replace Components
Upgrade CPU and Motherboard for upgrading Windows 11 to 25H2:  

• Choose a new compatible CPU (e.g., Ryzen 5000 series like Ryzen 5600X or 5800X).
• Ensure your motherboard supports the new CPU (check the manufacturer’s CPU support list).
• Likely requires upgrading your motherboard as well.

Replace with a Supported CPU:  

• Select a CPU compatible with your motherboard (or upgrade motherboard if necessary).
• For Intel, pick recent chips supporting Windows 11.

3. Selecting a Compatible CPU
For AMD Ryzen:

• Ryzen 5000 series (e.g., Ryzen 5600X, 5800X, 5900X)
• Supports Windows 11, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot (if motherboard supports it)
  For Intel:
• 12th Gen (Alder Lake) or 13th Gen CPUs
• Also compatible with Windows 11

 4. Verify Compatibility & Upgrade Windows

• Use TPM.msc to confirm TPM 2.0 is active.
• Run PC Health Check or third-party tools like WhyNotWin11 to verify Windows 11 compatibility.
• If compatible, proceed with the upgrade via Windows Update or the Installation Assistant.

As of December 25, 2025, Windows 11, version 25H2 (also known as the "Windows 11 2025 Update") is widely available.

Since you are upgrading from 23H2, this is a major "full" upgrade rather than a small patch. The transition involves moving to the new core platform introduced in late 2024, so the installation will take longer (typically 30–60 minutes) than a standard monthly security update.

If Windows Update isn't showing the option, you can force the upgrade using Microsoft's official tool. This is safe and keeps your files intact.

How to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from 23H2 on supported PC:

1. Visit the official Microsoft Download Windows 11 page.
2. Under "Windows 11 Installation Assistant", click Download Now.
3. Run the downloaded file (Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe).
4. Click Accept and Install.
5. The tool will download the 25H2 files and prepare the installation. Your PC will restart automatically to finish the process.

Troubleshooting Common 23H2 to 25H2 Upgrade Issues

Hardware Compatibility: Microsoft slightly tightened CPU/TPM requirements between 23H2 and 24H2/25H2. If you previously bypassed requirements to install Windows 11, the standard updates (Methods 1 & 2) will fail. You will need to use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB from the ISO (Method 3) with requirement checks removed.

Disk Space: Because you are jumping two versions (23H2 -> 25H2), ensure you have at least 25-30 GB of free space on your C: drive.

SSDs: Some older SSDs had compatibility blocks with the 24H2/25H2 platform. Ensure your SSD firmware is up to date if the update fails repeatedly.

Flyby11 (created by developer builtbybel) is currently one of the easiest tools to bypass these restrictions because it automates the "Server Setup" trick, which skips CPU and TPM checks during the upgrade process.

Before starting, there is one hard requirement that cannot be bypassed, even by Flyby11. Your CPU must support the POPCNT (Population Count) instruction.

If your CPU is older than 2008 (e.g., Core 2 Duo), you cannot install Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2. The system will simply not boot.

Most users are safe: If your PC was made after 2010, you are likely fine.

To upgrade Windows 11 to 25H2 on an unsupported PC:

Step 1: Open the extracted folder and double-click Flyby11.exe. You may need to accept a security warning (SmartScreen) by clicking "More info" > "Run anyway.

Step 2: In the tool, look for the option to Download Windows 11 ISO.

Step 3: Once the ISO is mounted, Flyby11 will show you different methods to install.

Step 4: Click to run the method. A standard Windows Setup window will appear (it might look like the Windows Server setup—this is normal).

Step 5: Proceed through the screens.

Step 6: Click Install. The PC will restart several times. The process will take 30–60 minutes.

Currently, this is one of the best for upgrading Windows 11 23H2/24H2 to Windows 11 25H2.

To upgrade Windows 11 to 25H2 using the standard Windows Update, follow these steps:

1. Check for Windows Updates

Open Settings:

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings.

Navigate to Windows Update:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update.

Click "Check for updates":

• Click the button to prompt your PC to look for available updates.

2. Ensure Your PC is Ready
Ensure your device meets all hardware requirements:

• TPM 2.0 enabled
• Secure Boot enabled
• Compatible CPU
• Sufficient disk space

Make sure your system is fully updated:

• Sometimes, you need the latest cumulative updates before the feature update appears.

3. Look for the Feature Update (Windows 25H2)
If your PC is eligible, you should see a message like:

• "Upgrade Windows 11 to 25H2 is available"
• Or similar wording.
• Click "Download and install" to begin the upgrade process.

4. Follow the On-screen Instructions

• The system will download the update in the background.
• Once downloaded, it will prompt you to restart your PC to complete the upgrade.
• Save any work and click "Restart now".

5. Wait for the Upgrade to Complete

• Your PC will restart and go through the upgrade process.
• It may take some time; your PC might restart several times.
• Once finished, you'll be running Windows 11 25H2.

Your PC not upgrading Windows 11 to 25H2 could be due to several reasons, even if it's currently running Windows 11 23H2. Here are some common causes and troubleshooting steps to help resolve the issue:

Possible Reasons & Fixes:

1. Update Servicing Channels and Settings
Check Windows Update settings:
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
Ensure Receive updates for other Microsoft products and Feature updates are enabled.

2. Windows Update Troubleshooter
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter for upgrading Windows 11 to 25h2:
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Select Windows Update and click Run.
Follow the prompts to detect and fix issues.

3. Check Compatibility
System requirements for Windows 11 25H2 might differ slightly.
Use PC Health Check tool or WhyNotWin11 (a third-party tool) to verify compatibility.
Ensure your hardware meets the minimum requirements: TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, CPU compatibility, etc.

4. Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware
Sometimes, an outdated BIOS prevents upgrade.
Visit your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s website and update BIOS if needed.